Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a one-year extension to the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, according to sources. The summary regarding the extension was sent by the premier to President Asif Ali Zardari, who signed it on Sunday evening.
Following the president’s approval, Prime Minister Shehbaz granted a one-year extension to Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, who is set to lead the flypast on the upcoming Pakistan Day Parade on March 23.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar, who assumed command of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on March 19, 2021, is the 16th chief, and his original retirement date was March 18.
Born on April 16, 1965, Air Marshal Sidhu was commissioned in the GD(P) Branch of the PAF in April 1986. Throughout his career, he has commanded various positions, including a Fighter Squadron, a Flying Wing, an Operational Air Base, and Regional Air Command.
In his staff appointments, he has served as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (OR&D), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training-Officers), and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Defence. Additionally, he has held positions such as Director General Projects, Director General Air Force Strategic Command, and Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Air Defence) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.
He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College, and the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), UK.
Air Marshal Sidhu has been recognized for his exceptional service with awards such as the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), and Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military).
With the extension granted by Prime Minister Shehbaz, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu is set to become one of the few officers in the history of the PAF to serve for more than three years, according to research.
